Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

Modernize.com

Style & Decor / / April 08, 2015

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to open the windows, take in the fresh air, and give your home some attention in order to make it more comfortable and clean. One of the hardest things, though, is knowing where to start. So we’ve compiled this list of some of the best tasks to tackle around your home to help you create a plan of attack.

Clean Out the Dishwasher

Your dishwasher, oddly enough, does not clean itself. You can kill mold and abolish build-up by sprinkling baking soda and pouring a cup of vinegar in the bottom of the dishwater and then using the heavy-cleaning cycle. Soak any filters in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes. Unclog your dishwasher drain by disconnecting it from the garbage disposal and reaming the hose.

Clean Carpets

It is our unfortunate duty to inform you that the average person sheds 1.5 million skin flakes per hour. A five-person household can collectively unload 40 pounds of skin a year. So fight back. Secure a professional carpet cleaning service or rent your own carpet cleaning machine. On the same note, twice-wash your pillows.

Clean Out the Pantry

Check for expired foods and toss ‘em. Give the shelves a good wipe-down, as it’s likely some crumbs have accumulated. Take the opportunity to organize the pantry by type of food so that your family can easily find what they’re looking for, especially on busy mornings before school.

Dust Smart

The only worthwhile dry dusters use natural materials like ostrich feathers and lambswool. Alternatively, you can clean hard surfaces using disposable moist wipes, damp cloths or microfiber cloths. Consider scavenging computer keyboards and sensitive electronics using canisters of compressed air.

Vacuum Refrigerator Coils

Is your refrigerator not getting cold enough? Its coils may be all gunked up. Use a refrigerator coil brush, available at hardware stores, and then vacuum the debris. Be sure to unplug the fridge before you begin.

Replace Light Bulbs

Not only will replacing your old incandescent light bulbs with LED or fluorescent bulbs save on energy costs, but it can also prevent house fires. Nearly 12 percent of residential fires occur because someone stacked combustible materials in a closet too close to an overworked light bulb. Newer bulbs, which generate less heat, cause fewer fires.

Caulk Windows

Unless you're the sadistic sort who enjoys chilly nighttime drafts and high energy bills, you ought to seal your windows with 100 percent silicone caulk. Cut out old caulk first, hold the gun at a 45-degree angle, draw out a smooth bead, and smooth it using your index finger. Don't caulk before rain.